Tools & Equipment
The tools that actually get used
Good kebabs don’t require endless gadgets, but they do benefit from the right basics. Sharp knives, controllable tongs and a few reliable tools make prep quicker, cooking calmer, and results more consistent.
The tools in this collection are chosen for one reason: they earn their place. Nothing here is decorative or gimmicky. These are practical, well-reviewed essentials that make trimming meat easier, handling skewers safer, and cooking over fire more predictable.
If you’re building a kebab setup from scratch, this is where it makes sense to invest first. Solid tools last longer, work harder, and quietly improve every cook.
Cooking Tools & Equipment
Best all-purpose grilling tongs
OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs
These are a staple for a reason. Comfortable, precise and strong enough for turning kebabs without tearing meat, they’re far more controllable than oversized BBQ tongs and work just as well at the grill as in the kitchen.
Best prep knife for kebabs
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
A favourite among professionals for its sharpness, balance and grip. It handles meat trimming, vegetable prep and herbs effortlessly, making it one of the most practical knives you can own for kebab cooking.
Best tool for marinades and basting
OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush
Flexible silicone bristles hold marinade well and spread it evenly without shedding. Ideal for glazing kebabs on the grill or brushing oil onto skewers and grates during cooking.
Best temperature tool for kebabs
ThermoPro TP19 Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer
Fast, accurate and easy to read, this takes the guesswork out of cooking skewered meat safely. Especially useful for chicken and lamb kebabs where doneness matters more than timing alone.
Best charcoal lighting tool
Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter
The quickest, cleanest way to light charcoal without lighter fluid. It delivers consistent, ready-to-cook embers and makes charcoal grilling feel far less fussy, especially for midweek kebab cooks.
How products make the cut
I don’t aim to list everything, I aim to list the right things.
Products are chosen based on:
- How well they work specifically for kebabs and skewered cooking
- Real-world usability, not just specs or brand reputation
- Value at typical pricing, not “paying for the badge”
- Whether I’d genuinely recommend it to a mate
If something looks good on paper but is awkward, flimsy, or badly designed in practice, it doesn’t stay here.
A quick note on affiliate links
Some links in the shop are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
That support helps fund the site and keeps the recipes, and guides free. It never changes what I recommend or how I talk about it.